LOOK at the whiteboards inside any junior football club and chances are the only numbers you are likely to see will be variations of four, four, two…

Polynomial equations and algebraic expressions do not tend to crop up quite so much.

But St Roch’s is not like any other club.

Our Streets Ahead overall winner from last year has turned its Royston home into a community hub, offering a range of much-needed services to local residents.

This week, with help from a £1600 Streets Ahead grant, the club has relaunched its successful homework club for young people studying maths and English to Higher level.

Manager Andy Cameron explains: “Of all of the community projects we are involved in, this is the jewel in the crown.”

More than 100 young people have benefitted since Glasgow University astrophysics student Michael Docherty kicked off sessions two years ago in a bid to support local young people.

“It was about giving young people the opportunity to be all they can be, in an environment that was safe and friendly,” says Andy.

Michael has now moved on and is working for a leading finance company in London but the club was keen to keep the homework club running.

Andy was delighted when university students Andrew Barbour, 23 and Noah Uptob, 21, agreed to come on board.

Andrew says: “Delivering the Homework Club is great for the young people, and for us, as it gives us an opportunity to solidify our knowledge and revisit concepts that are integral to our learning.”

Noah adds: “It is rewarding to get the opportunity to share our knowledge with young people and it will help us develop our own leadership skills.”

Since it launched, St Roch’s Homework Club has been praised by local people and celebrities alike.

Carol Vorderman tweeted about it, and schools in the area have been helping to promote it.

All Saints Secondary pupils Abbie Campbell and Lisa Sutherland came along to the club at the suggestion of their maths teacher.

“As a St Roch’s fan, I saw the homework club being promoted on social media too,” adds Abbie.

“I like school, but because there is a much smaller number of pupils here, it’s easier to get one-to-one tuition.

“Andrew and Noah are very approachable and I think coming along to the club will really help my confidence. I’m hoping to get a place at university so my grades will be really important.”

Lisa says: “At school there are sometimes 20 people in the class and it is difficult for the teacher to get the chance to explain complex stuff to individuals, but Andrew and Noah are able to take time to explain things through.”

Our Streets Ahead campaign, backed by Glasgow City Council, City Building and City Charitable Trust, continues to support projects all over the city, which bring neighbours together to help people living challenging lives.

Since winning Community Initiative of the Year and the overall trophy at our Streets Ahead awards, St Roch’s has continued to strengthen its community links.

Andy explains: “It was great recognition for St Roch’s FC. What we have found is that it is actually quite easy to get involved in positive work in the community because when you start, so many people will help you out.

He adds: “Our Homework Club is funded by local MSP Ivan McKee, and the extra funding from Streets Ahead means we can purchase tablets to make the experience even better for the young people.

“We are very grateful, not just to Ivan and the Evening Times, but to our many sponsors, such as Network Private Hire, without whom the club would not be able to deliver community projects like this.”

He laughs: “Now, if the young people can come up with a formula to unlock packed defences, we’d all be winners….”